To not be present obsessed at xmas

[Battenbergcoconutice]

I keep seeing thread after thread about "how much do you spend on Xmas presents for your children" or discussing the vital importance of getting gifts right. Why is everyone so obsessed with presents at Xmas? Am I the only one who thinks the magic of Christmas is being with people you love, the atmosphere, decorations good food etc? You can do so much with stockings for children on a budget, or what's wrong with everyone home makes a present family gifts??? Ergh the materialism of Xmas gets worse year on year. I can't be alone in thinking this. Saw a thread where the OP said parents spent 1k plus on gifts PER CHILD and had 100+ presents each. Mums then reaponding feeling guilty they aren't doing enough. Want to bash my head against a brick wall...

@Ihopeithinkiknow

That sounds wonderful and I'm a huge fan of Viennese Whirls myself so I'd be delighted to find some of those wrapped up under the tree! 🌲

I think people who go OTT with presents on that level are very much the minority. Most people enjoy a balance and have to fit gifts within a budget. Trumpeting about how much you've spent is crass, I don't know anyone who does this.

On the flipside I find competitive under - Christmassing utterly joyless and sanctimonious. And home made gifts are invariably shite.